England boss Steve Borthwick voices ‘Aussie rules’ fear over new law directive

Sign up to our free sport newsletter for all the latest news on everything from cycling to boxing Sign up to our free sport email for all the latest news Sign up to our free sport email for all the latest news SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy England head coach Steve Borthwick fears that rugby is in danger of resembling Australian rules football because of the rushed introduction of a law directive designed to create fairer aerial duels. Borthwick has made four changes for Saturday’s match against South Africa with full-back Freddie Steward, wing Ollie Sleightholme, scrum-half Jack van Poortvliet and flanker Sam Underhill given starts. The recall of high ball master Steward, successfully predicted by Springboks boss Rassie Erasmus hours before Borthwick named his team, is a nod to the impact on the game caused by World Rugby’s autumn crackdown on ‘escort runners’, who block the path of kick-chasers. I don’t think anyone wants it to turn into Aussie rules.” Erasmus believes Steward will be “devastating” because the directive has placed a premium on his expertise in the air and while Borthwick was more measured in his words, he agrees that the 6ft 5in Leicester full-back will now come into his own.